Page 6 - KZN Business Sense 10.3

CATALYTIC PROJECTS OFFER MUCH

OPPORTUNITY TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

n a recent interview, Russell Dube TradeZone 1, which is fully Studio, which is a private sector
Curtis, Head of Invest Durban, tenanted by 50 investors, including led project with an estimated
Isaid that a growing and international companies such as investment value of over R7.5
powerful dynamic is that the Samsung, Mahindra, DHL, Chem billion. The Natal Command site,
business sector leadership are Energy and PepsiCo-Futurelife. which is set to transform the face of
forming much more local and the Durban beachfront promenade,
international partnerships. Dube TradeZone 2, opens will boast high-end venues
an additional 45 hectares of including hotels, flats, restaurants
Consequently, a number of large- industrial land for development and a shopping centre. The
scale projects are underway in the and brings to market another 23 development of the site is expected
greater eThekwini region and the fully serviced sites which range to create thousands of jobs during
impact of the partnerships that in size. Dube TradeZone 2 will the construction phase, with a
have been formed to spearhead include three Dube TradePort- few thousand remaining once the
these developments is tangible. owned warehouses, one of which businesses become operational.
These catalytic projects are making will accommodate medium-sized
a regional impact, providing businesses enabling the expansion With these ongoing
much stimulus to the economy of small businesses located in the developments, Durban and by
as well as providing employment, mini-factories. extension KwaZulu-Natal are
opportunities and potential solidifying their status as Africa’s
revenue creation. Westown investment destination, poised for
Led by the Fundamentum sustained growth and providing
Current catalytic projects Property Group, which acquired much opportunity.
underway include Westown, the development rights from
Dube TradeZone 2, Giba Business Tongaat Hulett Property, Westown Club Med Tinley
Estate, Club Med Tinley, Sibaya is one of the biggest infrastructural Club Med Tinley is proudly
Coastal Precinct, the Avoca Node investments in Durban since being developed by KZN company
Development and Durban Film the Soccer World Cup in 2010. Collins Residential, with the
Studio, amongst others. Westown has the support of all French headquartered Club Med
Giba Business Estate three spheres of government, taking the helm as hotel operators.
and all departments within the
The R1.9 billion Giba Business eThekwini Municipality, as well Olivier Perillat, general manager
Estate developer, Sultex Holdings as the local Chief, Indunas and of Club Med SA, said the R2bn
is a group of local Durban councillors. It is working with local resort project, which is due to open
businesspersons who are businesses and stakeholders such as in July 2026, would be a force for
collectively undertaking this the Durban Shongweni Club and regional growth.
prestigious project. Sultex Holdings Polo Club, The Mushroom Farm, Club Med Tinley is expected to
is a black-owned company with a and Shongweni Farmer’s Market to generate over 800 direct jobs and
level one BBBEE score. ensure these critical assets continue an additional 1 500 indirect jobs,
The company has employed a to thrive. stimulating the local economy
professional team, led by Nathoo Westown is set to generate some and empowering individuals and
Mbeyane Engineers and Re-Invent R15 billion in investment over families with new opportunities.
Property Development Managers, the next 10 -15 years, both in During its construction phase,
which led to the successful infrastructure and top structures, the project will also employ 1 200
commencement of this project. construction workers, providing a
The opening of Westown Square significant boost to the job market.
The project seeks to rejuvenate and The Barn In March 2025, will
and further develop Giba Business bring to the region high-street In addition, the resort will further
Park, supporting the eco-tourism shopping with dining, leisure and promote tourism on the KZN
aspect of Giba Gorge, whilst recreation experiences which also north coast potentially prompting
having a massive social impact offer much opportunity to the more international investment to
on the local informal community. business sector. the province.
These impacts support both the For more information on
job market, whilst increasing Avoca Node Development these projects and the potential
business opportunities for The Avoca Nodal Development opportunities available for retailers
light commercial, logistics, and consists of three precincts ideally and other business operators in
warehousing in Durban.
located along the N2 Corridor. some of the projects, please contact
This estate provides a safe and These precincts are the Brickworks Invest Durban
secure environment, complete and Northfields industrial Invest Durban was recommended
with modern infrastructure, to developments and the Caneridge by the Durban City Council and
elevate your business to the next residential development. organised private business as
level of success.
The launch of the new state-of- the First Stop Shop to stimulate
Dube TradeZone 2 the-art distribution centre for new investment in the Durban
Takealot in Avoca will impact metropolis. They act as a
Dube TradeZone 2 has, to date, the province in a positive way partnership between the Metro
attracted R1.8-billion in private- and create thousands of jobs. The City Council and the private
sector investment and this phase is centre, which is located within business sector, offering a free
expected to create 600 jobs within The Brickworks, a 157-hectare investor advisory service, plus
the next five years. Four of these business and logistics park, is key promotion, facilitation, and
investors have begun constructing being developed by Investec aftercare services between all
their facilities. Property at the region’s old investment stakeholders.

Dube TradeZone 2 will target Corobrik factory site.
investors in the manufacturing and The construction of the Takealot www.invest.durban
assembly, logistics and automotive Distribution Centre is planned for
sectors while facilitating completion in July, with operations
the planned expansion of a number commencing by October this year.
of phase one-based enterprises.
The launch of the second phase Durban Film Studio
of the TradeZone follows the Construction has finally
successful implementation of commenced on the Durban Film

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